Thailand intensifies bird flu and anthrax monitoring

The Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Department of Livestock Development are gearing up to tackle potential outbreaks of bird flu and anthrax following reports of cases abroad. Four measures have been implemented to monitor these diseases in humans.

Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control under MOPH, stated that there have been three cases of bird flu infections in dairy cattle workers in the United States, in May.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the three individuals worked on a dairy farm and exhibited symptoms of conjunctivitis and eye inflammation. They received antiviral treatment and were isolated at home. Two have recovered, while the third is still in home isolation but showing improvement.

Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture revealed the discovery of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in alpacas at a farm in Idaho. This comes after previously infected poultry at the same farm had been culled. The US CDC continues to monitor the situation closely.

Thailand’s neighbours have also reported human cases of bird flu. Cambodia has reported five cases with one death, while Vietnam has reported one case with one death.

However, in Thailand, no confirmed cases have been reported since the last recorded case in 2006, according to data from the Epidemiology Division of the Department of Disease Control.

Prevention measures

Thongchai detailed the coordinated measures between the Department of Disease Control and its network to monitor, prevent, and control the disease in humans.

First is the continuous monitoring and risk assessment of the disease situation in humans and animals. In conjunction with this initial measure, preparations are to be made for communicable disease control units at provincial and district levels to conduct investigations and control measures in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Development and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.

Following this, the department will instruct provincial public health offices nationwide to monitor patients in hospitals and communities, especially in provinces with entry and exit points connected to outbreak areas, meanwhile, communicating risks and disseminating information on bird flu prevention in affected areas, said Thongchai.

“To monitor, prevent, and control the disease in animals and wildlife, the Department of Livestock Development and the Department of National Parks have continuously conducted random tests for bird flu in poultry and wild birds.

“Measures to control the spread include announcing the suspension of animal imports or animal products from countries with bird flu outbreaks. International animal quarantine stations are collaborating with customs to randomly inspect animal imports and products.

“Livestock nationwide are being warned to monitor for diseases in their areas to prevent bird flu and anthrax. Livestock farmers are being advised to implement a disease prevention system before entering farms and avoid raising multiple animal species in the same area.”

Period of dormancy

Thongchai added that Thailand has experienced anthrax cases from 1992 to 2000, with the last outbreak in humans and animals reported in Phichit province in 2000.

Regular reports of the disease have come from provinces such as Chiang Rai, Tak, Phitsanulok, Surin, Udon Thani, Phayao, and Phichit. Sporadic cases have also been noted in Nakhon Phanom, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Bangkok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Buriram, and Nonthaburi.

In 2017, two cases were reported in Mae Sot district, Tak province, from handling goat carcasses from Myanmar with bare hands, and in 2024, Southeast Asia reported cases in Laos and Indonesia without fatalities, said Thongchai.

“The MOPH strengthens disease surveillance in both humans and animals, especially at border entry points. If patients exhibit symptoms matching anthrax definitions, immediate disease investigation is required.

Dead animal carcasses must not be moved, dissected, or sold, and only cooked meat should be consumed. Strict hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and consuming clean, cooked food, can prevent both bird flu and anthrax.”

Following reports of bird flu transmission from dairy cattle to humans in the US, the Department of Disease Control and the Department of Livestock Development urge dairy farmers to report any unusual poultry or migratory bird deaths on their farms immediately to livestock authorities.

If experiencing flu-like symptoms or eye inflammation after animal contact, individuals should seek medical attention and disclose their risk history, reported Khaosod.